Economic growth and democratic advancement ten years after the financial crisis

Posted by , 5th December 2007

A decade has passed since the financial crisis in Southeast Asia and it is apparent that the region today has matured much more since then with regard to the economy and stock market. Politically, there have been advances and regressions, while at the regional level there is power in the idea of strengthening ties for more integration. However, it is still necessary to overcome unresolved matters such as democratic consolidation and the equal distribution of wealth.

Soul searching, an atmosphere of toleration and respect and a dialogue among the civilizations (the West and Islam). Mutual respect, justice and equity and the rejection of bigotry and hatred; all basic humans values that the West and Islam have in common. Why then is a dialogue between these two civilizations so hard?

Action is needed in Pakistan before it is too late, the support for Musharraf is dropping and force by itself cannot solve the militancy problem. The United States must look into the Asian country with a long-term vision and pin its hopes on democracy which is its own ideal and value.

The situation in Pakistan is complex and the margin for the Musharraf government to manoeuvre is becoming more limited each time opposite of the generalized talibanization. Will the Islamists obtain control to become a country with nuclear arms in the future?

Sheharyar Khan looks at the rise in violent attacks in Pakistan and analyzes the diverse factors leading to the recent chaos. He notes that Pakistan‘s foreign relations and the policies of its military government have not only failed to abate extremism, but have added to the current violence and unrest.

Sohail Mahmood comments on Pakistan‘s complex political situation, noting growing tensions between a public calling for democracy and a military regime willing to go to any lengths to hold onto its power. He offers that fair elections would be the only solution to the country’s political instability.

Sohail Mahmood discusses the recent surge of violence and unrest in Pakistan and analyzes the cause of tensions between the current military regime and the opposition parties. He also explains the responsibility that Western powers have in this conflict, backing the regime along the years. In Mahmood opinion’s, the future of Pakistan appears dark as more conflicts across the horizon.

Xulio Rí­os explains how the passing of the Torch to Beijing for the 2008 Olympics has created enormous tension between China and Taiwan. Not even sports are capable of pacifying the complicated relationship between Beijing and Taipei.